Department of Service and Civic Innovation Members

10/28/2025

Educational Systems Federal Credit Union is partnering with the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation (DSCI) to host two participants in the state’s Service Year Option, a program that creates meaningful career pathways for recent high school graduates. From September 2025 through June 2026, the participants—referred to by DSCI as   Members—are serving as Financial Service Associates at the Credit Union’s Greenbelt headquarters.

The 10-month experience includes month-long rotations across departments to build a well-rounded understanding of credit union operations, followed by a Marketing capstone that integrates their learning into a community-focused deliverable.

“Educational Systems FCU is proud to support Maryland’s Service Year Option by investing in early-career talent,” said Girado Smith, President/CEO. “This partnership reflects our values—caring, collaborative, empowering and excellence—while helping young professionals build practical skills and confidence.”

Early feedback from participants underscores the program’s focus on member service. “On my first day, I toured the headquarters and a branch. A member walked in the branch and was welcomed with a warm greeting—by name,” said Gabriela Bonilla, a Financial Service Associate. “That moment reflected Educational Systems FCU’s core value of Caring and taught me the importance of member service, creating a welcoming environment and representing the Credit Union’s core values through personalized service.”

Educational Systems FCU’s participation in the Service Year Option aligns with its commitment to workforce development, civic engagement and the cooperative principle of people helping people—preparing emerging professionals for careers that serve the community.